"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  (Isaiah 41:10)  This was given to a people who were ripe for God's judgment because of their rebellion in turning away from God to many other gods as the first part of Isaiah makes clear.  The Old Testament is full of the grace and forbearance of God.

Ladies' Bible study had just ended this past Tuesday when Sarah arrived after working over time.  She told us the story of a 36 year old Navajo man who truly believed he would never die even though in his last month of life one doctor after another said there was nothing they could do for him, he was dying of acute alcoholism and did pass away last week.  This is a story repeated many times over out here.  We spoke of how God can deliver a person from the many bondages of sin when Sarah blurted out, "I have not been delivered!"  When asked about that comment she said a really scary thing happened last week.  It was quite late by this time as I told Sarah I wanted to know what she was talking about.  I gave the other two ladies the opportunity to leave which they took then Sarah shared how she had become very suicidal again a week ago.  She has been told that she will be laid off the end of September if funding does not come through.  She believed God had put her in that job with juvenile probation as her ministry.  Honestly, I do too.  She is very good with these youth and they respect her.  I believe she is needed in this position therefore it is my prayer that she can retain her job.  

Compounding her situation was the disappearance of over $500.00 from her checking account which then caused her to have a large over draft when she mailed payments for bills.  She was in a deep hole believing that since she became a Christian she has continued to just lose, lose, lose.  A niece, who was with Sarah's daughter when the drunk illegal driver hit their car killing Saraphine instantly, was used of the Lord on Monday to help Sarah see what she does have compared to what many people are going through.  Sarah sees this niece almost like a daughter.  Sarah was then ashamed of feeling so sorry for herself.  We had a good time of sharing.  It’s warfare friends!!!  I thank you for your investment in prayer for her and for me to have God's grace and wisdom.

"Alv" has gone to work up in the southwest part of Colorado in an attempt to earn and save some money for Bible College.  Pray she actually will be able to save money. : )

The first weekend of this month I went with some young people I have worked with over the years to Colorado Springs, CO to hike Pike's Peak.  I was a bit concerned that my age would really show trying to keep up with those 20 to 30 years younger than me!!!  Without going into all the reasons we got a huge late start hiking it turned out this over the hill missionary is not doing so bad!!!!  I ended up hiking at least seven more miles than all the rest of the group.  May be I'm just better at mind over matter where hiking is concerned!!!!  : )  It was a quick trip short trip, but I enjoyed the hike and the special treat of a deer that was not afraid to pose for pictures. : )

In my natural horsemanship study and practice I have made progress but need prayer for break throughs in my understanding of how to advance all my skills to a higher level of responsiveness and respect from my horses without scaring, confusing them or coming across critical and harsh.  Learning to know what a horse needs at any given moment is a real challenge.  I find myself sending S.O.S prayers up to the Lord from time to time. : )  I do the same thing when listening to someone sharing their struggles and fears.  God knows what each of us needs at any given moment and He longs to meet those needs.  Sarah and I were sharing some longings for a godly husband but acknowledging we are pretty independent after being single all our lives!  As women we still have basic needs meant to be fulfilled in part by a husband.  I commented that I deliberately ask the Lord to meet those needs so I can focus on what I need to do.  Thank you for your prayers and financial gifts as the Lord leads you!!  You are a part of His meeting some needs for both Sarah and me.

Prayer Requests:

1.  Sarah's spiritual growth; funding for her to keep her job and finding out what happened to the money in her checking account;

2.  "Alv" to be able to save money for the school the Lord wants her to go to;

3.  Opening of my understanding more in my natural horsemanship study and practice;

4.  For brothers and sisters in Christ needing jobs.